Alan Mays' photos with the keyword: September 15

"Guaranteed--to rid any cellar of rats, roaches, or other undesirable creatures. In case of failure to do so as represented, your money cheerfully refunded and no questions asked . September 15th, 1906 A.D." Addressed to: Miss Olive L. Carpenter, Box #99, Yantic, Connecticut. Postmarked: Philadelphia, Pa., Sep. 16, 1906. Judging by a Find A Grave search, the recipient of this real photo postcard was probably Olive L. Carpenter Bullard (1878 - 1917) ("wife of E. E. Bullard"), who is buried in the Yantic Cemetery, Norwich, Connecticut. If so, she would have been 28 years old when she received this postcard in 1906 and only 39 when she died in 1917. I wonder if it was her husband who sent her this card. For another real photo postcard with a similar "scare away the rats" joke, see Use This to Keep the Mice and Rats Away (below).

Church groups and other organizations used variations of this poem to invite members to "Birthday Party" gatherings that were both social get-togethers and fundraising events. See additional examples from 1896 and 1912 (below). The Mite Society will give a Birthday Party, Thursday evening, Sept. 15th, 1910, in the Nantmeal M. E. Church, Rev. J. S Tomlinson, pastor. This birthday party Is given to you; We hope you will come, And propose if you do, An agreeable time. Some good things to eat And besides many others A musical treat. As we could not secure The number of candles To let your light shine, We send this fandangle; Put safely within it As many round pennies As years you are old. Your light will be bright. If you send it or bring it. While we will keep dark, If you wish, what's within it. The Mite Society With greetings most hearty, Feel sure you will come To your own birthday party.

"Independent Order of Cadets of Temperance. We educate to love truth & temperance. This is to certify that Theodore K. Young is a member in regular standing in Crystal Fount Sect. No. 15, I.O. of C.T. Geo. King, G. Sep. 15th 1858." For a similar membership card, see Independent Order of Cadets of Temperance .